Were the peace treaties of 1919-23 fair? Flashcards
(17 cards)
Who were the Big Three at the Treaty of Versailles?
Woodrow Wilson (USA), Georges Clemenceau (France), and David Lloyd George (Britain)
What were Woodrow Wilson’s main aims at Versailles?
He wanted lasting peace through his Fourteen Points, self-determination, and the League of Nations.
What were Clemenceau’s main goals at the Treaty of Versailles?
He aimed to punish Germany harshly, ensure French security, and gain reparations.
What did Lloyd George want from the peace settlement?
He wanted a moderate peace to protect British trade, but also wanted to satisfy public calls to punish Germany.
Why did the victors not get everything they wanted at Versailles?
They had conflicting aims; compromises were needed to reach agreement.
Name three major territorial terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
Alsace-Lorraine returned to France, the Polish Corridor created, and the Saar placed under League control
What military restrictions were placed on Germany?
Army limited to 100,000 men, no conscription, no air force, no submarines, and only six battleships.
How much did Germany have to pay in reparations?
£6.6 billion (set in 1921)
What was Article 231 of the Treaty, and why was it controversial?
The War Guilt Clause; it blamed Germany for starting the war and justified reparations.
How did Germans react to the Treaty of Versailles?
With anger and resentment—they called it the “Diktat” (dictated peace).
What were the economic impacts of the Treaty on Germany by 1923?
Massive inflation, especially after the Ruhr crisis; economic hardship and unemployment.
What political effects did the Treaty have on Germany?
It weakened the Weimar Republic, led to uprisings, and fueled extremism.
Could the Treaty of Versailles be justified at the time? Give one argument for.
Yes—Germany caused massive destruction during the war, so punishment and reparations were fair.
Give one argument against the Treaty being fair.
The terms were too harsh and humiliating, which helped fuel future conflict (e.g., WWII).
What were contemporary opinions in Britain about the Treaty?
Some felt it was too harsh, others believed it was not harsh enough.
What was France’s reaction to the Treaty of Versailles?
Generally satisfied but some thought it didn’t go far enough to secure France’s borders.
What was the U.S. reaction to the Treaty of Versailles?
The U.S. Senate rejected it, and the U.S. never joined the League of Nations.
